Impact sockets worth it?

[fireplug]

Has anyone ruined good quality 'hand tool' sockets using an impact gun?

I found a good deal on a set of impact sockets, but it is still a hundred bucks and I figure my hand tool set is warrantied for life. Just wondering if I should go for it or not.

Opinions appreciated!

 

[google]

I've personaly returned 4 socket wrenches to sears in one day (one for each wheel) and never had a problem with the sockets themselves. Bent my 4 foot cheater bar though.....

 

[74 chev]

yes i have broken several craftsman sockets with an impact untill i actually bought a set of impact sockets.

 

[gravdigr]

I paid a whopping $40 for both sets of my impact sockets about 7 years ago and none have broken. Not comparing them to non impact sockets, but saying you don't have to spend a fortune on them. My 2 sets are both standard deep well and normal depth 1/2" - 1 1/4". Check the surplus stores.

 

[nvrenuf]

Has anyone ruined good quality 'hand tool' sockets using an impact gun?

I've seen cheap chrome 12 pts round out on an air gun. If the sockets were 6 pt it probably wouldn't be a problem.

 

[86chevybanshee]

ive had 12 points round out and 6 points shatter with my gun, craftsman sockets with an ingersoll rand 2135ti gun, id spend the extra cash to get impact sockets

 

[sweetk30]

6 point and impact for safty. chrome will blow with good air and gun. i work with them all day at work.

also thay take bolts and nuts out better as less flex in the socket from thicker wall .

 

[bigjbear]

If you have a good impact, yes you will most likely tear them up. I've broke Craftsman and S/K chrome t/w sockets with my IR 244. I bought some cheep impact sockets after that. While they didn't have the best fit or finish, they held up just fine untill I could afford some better ones. That would be about 5 yrs later. If you don't have the cash for quailty now, cheep impact sockets are deffinatly a place where you can cut costs.

Something to look out for; I bought a huge set of S/K impact sockets about 2 yrs ago during a promo sale from an independent tool truck. They are very high quality and cheaper than Sears/Craftsman.

 

[Zeitler]

if you're going to use non impact sockets , be sure to use eye protection ..they can split/shatter....

 

[dodgedude99]

ive split 6 pt craftsman with an impact.

i generally only use impact sockets, even with a ratchet.

i had gotten a 2 sets 1/2 impact sockets(metric and sae) from Harbor Freight for $15 each set for my junkyard box, they actually work pretty good.

 

[Hossbaby50]

Even if you don't crack your chrome hand tool sockets with an impact wrench you will probably wallow out the 1/2" attaching point. I have several sockets that were used on an impact gun that won't stay on a ratchet unless you hold them on. The impact may not ruin them completely but I can tell you from experience that dropping the socket you are trying to work with several times in a row is a PITA and will piss you off after awhile.

Harley

 

[stallion85]

ive split 6 pt craftsman with an impact.

i generally only use impact sockets, even with a ratchet.

i had gotten a 2 sets 1/2 impact sockets(metric and sae) from Harbor Freight for $15 each set for my junkyard box, they actually work pretty good.

I have this same set and can vouch for there durability.

 

[avgas]

me too, I've been pretty impressed with the harbor freight stuff I've gotten so far. Maybe it's because I went in think everything would be complete crap from their reputation

 

[89GMCSuburban]

Amen to that, i fragment standard sockets with the 1,000 lb.ft. IR titanium 1/2". Impact sockets are worth it

 

[blazerpro79]

ya i have the harbor freight impacts... they are great! i use them by hand too, feel and look better, and are stronger

anyway why use the stupid chrome ones... anti-bling!!!

 

[big83chevy4x4]

ive broken more sockets with my 3/8" ratchet than an impact, but i have wore them out. i use MIT impact sockets that i picked up for $20, they even come with a life time warenty

 

[Zeus33rd]

Amen to that, i fragment standard sockets with the 1,000 lb.ft. IR titanium 1/2". Impact sockets are worth it

The 2135ti doesn't do "1,000 lb-ft". It does 625 in forward, 700 in reverse. IR does claim "the seven vane motor delivers Nut Busting Torque that will loosen a nut tightened to 1,000 ft.-lbs...in 6 seconds!"

That said, I have a 2135ti and love the thing- Only 3.5 lbs.

 

[pvfjr]

The 2135ti doesn't do "1,000 lb-ft". It does 625 in forward, 700 in reverse. IR does claim "the seven vane motor delivers Nut Busting Torque that will loosen a nut tightened to 1,000 ft.-lbs...in 6 seconds!"

That said, I have a 2135ti and love the thing- Only 3.5 lbs.

Well while we're being technical, it's 3.95 lbs. Just got mine in the mail today, can't wait to use it!

 

[89GMCSuburban]

Well...next time I will be sure to post my entire spec sheet since it seems that important

 

[Zeus33rd]

Well...next time I will be sure to post my entire spec sheet since it seems that important

No need to get butthurt dude...I guess I shoulda added a smiley or two...